Severus and the Thunderbird

Christmas

Potter and his friends. Disrupting class, and arrogantly ignoring everything he was trying to teach them. How could he be expected to save these trifling children if they wouldn't listen? He couldn't be nice to them, wouldn't even want to. But even if he was kinder, he was certain they would still believe in their own abilities over anyone else. Youthful arrogance.

Lupin. Allowing him to be disrespected amongst the students with that damn Boggart. Lupin playing the role of the meek and humble servant while he slaved away with the real tasks at hand. Lupin most certainly helping his old friend slink around.

That stupid map. The Marauders. Harry likely didn't even know who they were, but Lupin did. Taking it back into his possession. The whole situation a repeat of his adolescence.

A vision of Seren's face flickered through his mind. Those pretty green eyes that didn't judge him. Didn't know anything about his years as a pariah. He didn't know anything about her...Perhaps she would understand.

It had been almost a month since they met. He didn't want to appear needy, but he needed to be around someone who didn't hate him. In actuality he shouldn't care, but the weight of it all was breaking his back. He made it back to his room, swiping the watch from his dresser. He wanted to talk to her. Her face popped up instantly

"Hey stranger!"

He bit back a smile as he accused

"You didn't reach out to me either, if you recall"

She rolled her eyes as she continued on

"Semantics. You going to come over? Christmas is next week"

He groaned. Christmas. He was staying at the castle for extra security for Potter since Black was still on the loose. Not that he had anyone to go home to anyway. May as well stay at Hogwarts.

"I wouldn't be opposed to coming over. Not that I even know where you live" he told her, not really caring where she lived.

It was better that he didn't know. She would be safer that way.

"Ours is a partnership of secrecy. I mean, you could sneak me into the castle. But that might be frowned upon" she said, the lightness of her tone suggesting she didn't believe he would for one second do that

She would learn that he didn't back down from a challenge. Especially when told he couldn't do something. The sheer irony of him trying to sneak someone into the castle when he was staying there in order to keep intruders out of the castle was not missed.

"I could get you in. You don't believe me?" he challenged her, daring her to rise to the occasion

She laughed, brushing her curls back

"Hit a sore spot? Sure, why not risk getting arrested at Christmas"

He smirked. She wouldn't get arrested. If anything, Dumbledore would send her a gift basket for taking him off his hands for a few nights.

"Come over Christmas night? Or do you have family?" he said, quickly correcting himself

"We already had our required family get together. I'll see you then, Professor" she blew him an over the top kiss complete with an eye roll before she disappeared.

————-

They met at the edge of Hogsmeade, the tiny diamonds of white snow swirling in the cold. He almost didn't recognize her, she had changed her hair from burgundy to a caramel blonde. They made their way up the path, fighting against the wind, her body turned into him for warmth.

"Oh shit. You didn't tell me there were dementors here! What the hell is wrong with your school you need to guard it with them?" she exclaimed, looking apprehensive at walking onto the grounds as the black figures wafted overhead.